I'm curious to know how often property managers actively suggest value-add activities for properties (ie, building an ADU, remodeling, buy-fix-hold opportunities etc etc). 

There is no such thing as a "safe and stable" investment in real estate if you are going to be active or passive. you can buy the best property in the best area and have a tenant destroy the place or have it mismanaged that can cost you.Check out the syndication group on how many people were promised "safe" or guaranteed returns and lost little money to everything.

I’m hopeful I’ll get good leads in the coming month, and I actively reach out to unmatched leads that may work, and I intend to try creative marketing and see what happens. 

There is also a lot of activity in my facebook group, and it's all about MTR.

Many are looking to retire or shift out of active management, especially as interest rates rise.From what I’ve read in Bloomberg, Austin's market in 2025 remains highly competitive but still has opportunities in older neighborhoods and suburban areas.

In fact, many, though not all, of these “experts” are washed up and no longer active in the market.

This is often more difficult to find but one strategy would be to talk with STR investors who are active in the market there. 

From what I’ve read in Bloomberg, markets like Omaha and Phoenix are seeing steady investor activity.

  $31k after tax annual income - $11k rent = $20k or $1,600 per month net income left to cover all other expenses (utilities, cars, insurance, groceries, kids, activities, etc.).Median household income for 38128 is $41k or $36k after tax

What I can share is that the risk-reward will not be worth it as a 'newbie' due to your limited capital and inability to actively manage your properties.